Kazakhstan is taking decisive steps toward more sustainable waste management by proposing a green tax on nonrecyclable packaging materials, particularly targeting widely used but environmentally harmful plastics such as PET bottles and polyethylene (PE) containers. This initiative was announced by Mazhilis deputy Azhar Sagandykova during the IX Eurasian Business Forum on Green Energy & Waste Recycling.

Speaking at the event, Sagandykova emphasized the urgency of overhauling the country’s packaging and waste policies. “It is time to seriously consider introducing a green tax on non-environmentally friendly packaging and directing the funds collected towards the development of waste recycling,” she stated. Her remarks come amid mounting concerns over the inefficiencies in Kazakhstan’s current Environmental Code and its lack of comprehensive coverage on waste issues.

Targeting PET and PE Packaging

The proposed tax would primarily affect polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, plastic bags, and other PE-based containers that are either difficult to recycle or non-biodegradable. These materials, while commonly used for food and beverage packaging, pose significant long-term environmental challenges due to their persistence in landfills and natural ecosystems.

According to figures shared by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Zhomart Aliyev, the country generates around 4.5 million tonnes of waste annually, with roughly 80% originating from municipal sources. However, only 26% of this waste is currently recycled, underscoring the need for stronger regulatory and financial mechanisms to improve recycling rates.

Strategic Policy Overhaul on the Horizon

The proposed green tax is part of a broader waste management strategy currently being developed under the direction of Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister. The new framework aims to address systemic weaknesses in the existing Environmental Code and could include the introduction of a dedicated waste management law by the end of 2025. This law would aim to clarify the responsibilities of both government and private stakeholders, define infrastructure needs, and introduce targeted incentives for sustainable practices.

Sagandykova noted that a working group within the Mazhilis—Kazakhstan’s lower house of Parliament—will gather input from key stakeholders, including businesses, environmental organizations, and civil society. The goal is to shape a well-informed and balanced bill that promotes waste reduction without stifling economic growth.

“We intend to review the systemic approach to solving this problem,” said Sagandykova. “Without legislative clarity and financial tools, waste management efforts will remain fragmented and ineffective.”

Funding Recycling Through Policy

Funds generated from the proposed tax would be allocated to expanding recycling infrastructure, improving collection systems, and fostering innovation in sustainable materials. By internalizing the environmental costs of nonrecyclable packaging, the tax seeks to incentivize companies to shift toward greener alternatives.

This aligns with global trends, where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and eco-modulated fees are increasingly used to hold producers accountable for their environmental footprint. If implemented effectively, Kazakhstan’s green tax could set a precedent for other Central Asian nations facing similar challenges in waste and packaging management.

A Turning Point for Sustainable Packaging

Kazakhstan’s push for a green tax signals a significant shift in national policy priorities, from reactive waste management to proactive sustainability planning. The initiative recognizes the environmental impact of packaging and the role of fiscal tools in reshaping industry behavior. It also reflects growing regional and global awareness of the need for integrated waste solutions as urbanization and consumption trends accelerate.

With final legislative discussions expected in late 2025, all eyes will be on Kazakhstan as it moves to modernize its environmental framework and promote circular economy principles through packaging reform.